Highbury House has long been at the heart of the Birkenhead community. Originally operating from the All Saints Vicarage on Hinemoa Street, it was established 45 years ago as part of the 1979 Birkenhead Community Project. Its primary purpose was to provide a welcoming venue for community activities, with a crèche later introduced to enable mothers to participate in activities or simply have some time for themselves.

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Since 1990, Highbury House has been based at 110 Hinemoa Street, the former local New Zealand Police station - and even the historic wooden jail cells remain.

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Over time, the Highbury House crèche evolved into a licensed Early Learning Centre (ELC), providing a high-quality, child-centred service for more than 30 years. For some families, the connection with the ELC spanned generations, making it a much-loved part of the local community.

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The ELC closed permanently following the closure of Highbury House in 2025 due to building issues. While the original heritage villa was subsequently reopened, the ELC occupied an adjoining structure that required demolition.

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Today, this much-loved villa has been revitalised and is once again full of energy. True to its original purpose, Highbury House remains a place to connect, learn, share and grow - a welcoming space and vibrant hive of activity where people of all ages in our community can come together.